California
California’s Flex Alert shows the energy transition is moving too quickly
![California’s Flex Alert shows the energy transition is moving too quickly California’s Flex Alert shows the energy transition is moving too quickly](https://mediadc.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/34c75a6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4401x2311%200%20312/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http://mediadc-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/f8/3f/a622e7954ebd93326ecac962d0d4/ap21344612314744.jpg)
Is California’s Flex Alert the way forward for power coverage? It might be if the remainder of the nation follows California’s lead and adopts misguided, unworkable power methods.
For at the very least 10 days in a row starting in late August, the Alert requested Californians to voluntarily cut back their power consumption, even requesting that electrical automobile house owners restrict charging to guard the state’s electrical grid from energy outages. It was not the primary time, nor will or not it’s the final.
MIDTERMS 2022: TRACKING THE ISSUES THAT MATTER TO VOTERS AHEAD OF ELECTION DAY
Largely in charge is California’s heavy reliance on intermittent wind and solar energy, coupled with an absence of dispatchable sources of electrical energy to make use of when the solar units or the wind doesn’t blow.
Final yr, in its rush to transition from coal and pure fuel, the Golden State made itself twice as dependent upon wind and photo voltaic as the remainder of the nation. States ought to view California as a lesson in what can occur if the transition to renewable energy is just too quick and goes too far. If not, grid reliability will likely be compromised, leaving shoppers to anticipate Flex Alerts as the brand new regular.
Neutral grid operators and regulators have warned for years that the tempo of the grid transition from coal and different conventional fuels to wind and photo voltaic is just too speedy. In its 2021 Lengthy-Time period Reliability Evaluation, the North American Electrical Reliability Company warned that enormous sections of the nation would possibly face electrical energy shortfalls for the following 10 years. The fault lies, partially, to the retirement of producing capability that may run nearly repeatedly and supply important reliability companies that wind and photo voltaic can not.
To make issues worse, NERC’s warning didn’t think about the huge variety of coal energy crops anticipated to retire by the top of the last decade. In truth, our evaluation discovered that quantity to be nearly 4 occasions larger than what NERC reported. As well as, new Environmental Safety Company rules are prone to enhance coal retirements much more.
Whereas the retirement of typical assets may be inevitable, we should permit time for retiring energy crops to get replaced with equally reliable electrical energy sources. In any other case, the U.S. can have a much less dependable and resilient grid. As NERC CEO Jim Robb has mentioned about electrical energy, “It’s seven % of the economic system, nevertheless it’s the primary seven % as a result of with out it, nothing else works.”
Some level to the Inflation Discount Act (IRA) as the reply to delivering the renewable know-how and infrastructure obligatory to finish the grid transition. However whereas the IRA offers billions of {dollars} to incentivize the adoption of wind and photo voltaic, historical past reveals that the impediment of time just isn’t simply overcome.
For instance, the U.S. at present has greater than 200,000 miles of transmission traces, however analysis from Princeton College concludes we’ll want 60% extra by 2030 — and presumably at the same time as a lot as 200% extra — to realize President Biden’s objective of net-zero emissions by 2050. But during the last decade, we have now added only one,800 miles of latest transmission traces every year. Allowing is a part of the issue with federal authorization of enormous transmission tasks as a result of in lots of circumstances it takes greater than a decade for approval.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Sure, the grid is transitioning, however the integrity of the electrical system requires a various power combine. Coal helps present the dependable and resilient energy obligatory to fulfill client demand through the transition to zero-emissions technology. But when we proceed the headlong tempo to prematurely abandon thermal assets like coal, then California’s Flex Alerts will likely be our nation’s future.
Michelle Bloodworth is president and CEO of America’s Energy, a partnership of industries concerned in producing electrical energy from coal.
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California
California wildfire evacuee shelters with her 7 dogs
![California wildfire evacuee shelters with her 7 dogs California wildfire evacuee shelters with her 7 dogs](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XGT0mY8hOg.N7KY9pWcU5g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD02NzU-/https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/jit/6415665815001/1410a3bb-6a93-48e3-9049-e9b4e1c7e01a/main/1280x720/24s650ms/match/image.jpg)
Thousands of firefighters battling a wildfire in northern California are getting some help from the weather just hours after the blaze exploded in size, scorching an area larger than Los Angeles. But it is little consolation to the many who have had to evacuate or have lost their homes to the flames, including evacuee Susan Singleton and her 7 dogs. (AP Video by Eugene Garcia)
California
In photos: Park Fire in Northern California
![In photos: Park Fire in Northern California In photos: Park Fire in Northern California](https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/07/27/76d2b2bb-0789-48ad-bc89-a6ab61a509ab/thumbnail/1200x630/19b3f6055caa96e2f152b6cee447cdba/gettyimages-2162853933.jpg?v=5501038cbc281520ff9fdc308faab7dc)
A group of horses walk along a road as they are being evacuated during the Park Fire in the community of Cohasset near Chico, Calif., Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Park Fire in Chico
A home destroyed by the Park Fire is seen in Chico, Calif., Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25 a general view of damaged structure as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25 a general view of damaged structure as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Smoke and flames rise from the forest as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews battle against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Dozens of burned up cars that were destroyed by the Park Fire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: A view of huge smoke as crews are battling against to flames which Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Smoke and flames rise from the forest as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: A view of huge smoke as crews are battling against to flames which Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Smoke and flames rise from the forest as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Smoke and flames rise from the forest as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: A view of huge smoke as crews are battling against to flames which Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire in Cohasset
A sports utility vehicle is seen engulfed in flames during the Park Fire in the community of Cohasset near Chico, Calif., Thursday, July 25, 2024.
US-ENVIRONMENT-CLIMATE-FIRE
Fire engines drive through flames ripping across Highway 36 as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California on July 26, 2024. A huge, fast-moving and rapidly growing wildfire in northern California has forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate as firefighters battle gusty winds and perilously dry conditions, authorities said on July 26.
Firefighters Battle The Park Fire In California
The Park Fire near Chico, California, US, on Friday, July 26, 2024. Arson investigators in California arrested a man on suspicion of starting the state’s largest wildfire this year – a conflagration that has prompted evacuations and threatened the state’s power grid. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: A massive pyrocumulus cloud rises from the Park Fire, which has grown to 239,152 acres and is 0 percent contained, expands at a rapid rate on July 26, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousand of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: A massive pyrocumulus cloud rises from the Park Fire, which has grown to 239,152 acres and is 0 percent contained, expands at a rapid rate on July 26, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousand of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
Firefighters Battle The Park Fire In California
A plane drops fire retardant during the Park Fire near Chico, California, US, on Friday, July 26, 2024. Arson investigators in California arrested a man on suspicion of starting the state’s largest wildfire this year – a conflagration that has prompted evacuations and threatened the state’s power grid. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images
US-ENVIRONMENT-CLIMATE-FIRE
Vehicles drive through flames ripping across Highway 36 as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California on July 26, 2024. A huge, fast-moving and rapidly growing wildfire in northern California has forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate as firefighters battle gusty winds and perilously dry conditions, authorities said on July 26.
US-ENVIRONMENT-CLIMATE-FIRE
A property is seen in flames as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California on July 26, 2024. A huge, fast-moving and rapidly growing wildfire in northern California has forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate as firefighters battle gusty winds and perilously dry conditions, authorities said on July 26.
TOPSHOT-US-ENVIRONMENT-CLIMATE-FIRE
TOPSHOT – Resident Grant Douglas takes a drink of water while evacuating his wife and dog as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California on July 26, 2024. More than 1,150 personnel are deployed to fight the blaze, which has burned more than 180,000 acres and burned dozens of homes, and more than 3,500 people have been forced to flee their homes, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
TOPSHOT-US-ENVIRONMENT-CLIMATE-FIRE
TOPSHOT – A property is seen in flames as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California on July 26, 2024. A huge, fast-moving and rapidly growing wildfire in northern California has forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate as firefighters battle gusty winds and perilously dry conditions, authorities said on July 26.
Park Fire in Butte County
Vehicles destroyed by the Park Fire are seen in the community of Cohasset near Chico, Calif., Friday, July 26, 2024.
Park Fire Ravages Communities In California
A destroyed car is seen parked along Cohasset Road in Cohasset, Calif. Friday, July 26, 2024 after the Park Fire ripped through the community and continues to burn through Butte County.
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: The ruins of a structure are seen near the small community of Payne Creek as the Park Fire, which has grown to 348,370 acres and is still 0 percent contained, continues to expand on July 27, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousands of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Wild turkeys walk on scorched earth near the small community of Payne Creek as the Park Fire, which has grown to 348,370 acres and is still 0 percent contained, continues to expand on July 27, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousands of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: A burned truck is seen near the small community of Payne Creek as the Park Fire, which has grown to 348,370 acres and is still 0 percent contained, continues to expand on July 27, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousands of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: The ruins of a structure are seen near the small community of Payne Creek as the Park Fire, which has grown to 348,370 acres and is still 0 percent contained, continues to expand on July 27, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousands of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: The ruins of a structure are seen near the small community of Payne Creek as the Park Fire, which has grown to 348,370 acres and is still 0 percent contained, continues to expand on July 27, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousands of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
California
Park Fire roughly doubles in size, becomes one of the biggest in California history
![Park Fire roughly doubles in size, becomes one of the biggest in California history Park Fire roughly doubles in size, becomes one of the biggest in California history](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2024/07/26/USAT/74563855007-usatsi-23827834-168402897-lowres.jpg?auto=webp&crop=2249,1265,x0,y117&format=pjpg&width=1200)
The blaze has nearly doubled in size since Friday morning. It’s burning about 90 miles north of Sacramento.
Watch: Firefighters try to tame massive Park Fire in California
The destructive Park Fire has burned over 150,000 acres in California.
A fire that allegedly started when a man pushed a flaming car into a gully in a Northern California park on Wednesday has quickly ballooned into the West’s largest fire burning right now and one of the largest in state history.
The Park Fire, about 90 miles north of Sacramento, has now burned over 307,000 acres as of Saturday morning, according to Cal Fire. It’s currently the eighth-largest fire in California history, has no containment, and is even producing its own clouds.
The blaze has roughly doubled in size since Friday morning when it engulfed an area the size of Chicago.
Prosecutors allege the fire started when Ronnie Stout sent his mother’s car ablaze 60 feet down an embankment near Alligator Hole in Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park. That gave the fire its match to spread northward across the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds contributed to the Park Fire’s rapid growth, officials say. The Park Fire on Saturday has burned an area roughly the size of the city of Los Angeles. So far, the Park Fire has damaged 134 structures, Cal Fire’s latest incident report showed.
Cooler temperatures, with highs in the upper 80s, and more humidity are expected Saturday, according to the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office. On Friday afternoon, officials hoped these conditions would give some 2,500 firefighters the needed respite to reduce the fire’s spread from Butte County into Tehama County, where the majority of the fire is now occurring, as it burns grass, brush, timber and dead vegetation.
Evacuation orders and warnings continued through Friday night, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office announced. This included warnings for Magalia in the foothills east of Chico, located just next to Paradise, the California town burned by the 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed 14,000 homes and killed 85 people. The Camp Fire, caused by faulty Pacific Gas & Electric power lines, maxed out at 153,336 acres, half the size of the current Park Fire.
There are nearing 100 large wildfires across 10 western states and Alaska that have burned over a million acres and growing. Climate change is driving fires’ growing size and severity as warmer temperatures, high winds and dry conditions help fuel fires.
Contributing: Christopher Cann and Dinah Pulver of USA TODAY
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